09 Oct Road Map for October: Juniors

The big event for juniors in October is the PSAT.  Although this exam qualifies Class of 2020 students for the National Merit Scholarship competition, its real value is as a diagnostic tool.  Take a practice ACT as well and compare scores.  While most students don’t have an advantage on one exam over the other, some do, and this comparison will help you plan. If you need help determining which standardized tests you should take and when to take them, contact me for a consultation.

Parents of seniors are starting to fill out financial aid forms, which opened last week, and junior parents should be planning ahead for this as well.  Did you know your FAFSA and CSS Profile will be filled out using 2018 tax information?  Complete the FAFSA4caster now to get an idea of what colleges will expect you to pay. Then see how it compares to your college funding plan, and consult a financial advisor who can help you update your plan and offer strategies to maximize aid and tap the resources you have.  If you’re concerned about affordability (as almost everyone is) an educational consultant can help identify schools that will be a great fit academically, personally, and financially.  Contact me to schedule a meeting to start working on your college list.